Erling Pohls chose to start his building career not because his father was a builder, he chose construction because he was and is fascinated by trigonometry. Problem solving and attention to detail are innate in the brain of Erling. There are very few issues he hasn't dealt with before and he is always staying up to date with new building code changes and new methods and materials.

Erling's grandfather, Hans C.D. Skytt, was one of the original Danish settlers in 1911 and he was the builder they brought to start the town of Solvang. Erling's father Holger Pohls worked as a carpenter for Hans until he started his own contracting business that Erling then took over once Holger retired. Many of the original structures including the Bethania Lutheran Church, and Theaterfest were built by Erling, his father, an uncle or his grandfather.

At first meeting, he may seem gruff and aloof, but once you know him, he'll break into a funny story, usually involving some equestrian mishap on one of his trail rides with Santa Barbara Trail Riders or Frontier Boys. If you really want to get him going, bring up wine tasting, photography, fast cars or traveling.  Erling is no longer active in the business, unless called upon to consult.

erling pohls

Son of a Son of a Builder

Michael Elliott arrived at the company in 2014 and was brought in as the Chief Operating Officer.  Michael is a seasoned professional in the construction industry, renowned for his blend of extensive experience, unwavering professionalism, and respect for traditional craftsmanship. With over two decades of leadership, Michael has honed his skills on a diverse range of projects, from residential builds to commercial developments. His commitment to excellence is evident in every detail of his work, and he is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality and integrity. Michael’s deep appreciation for traditional construction methods complements his modern approach, ensuring that each project is both innovative and timeless.

Mike’s after work life includes beaches, horses and golf courses. A life longer skier and snowboarder, this keeps him in the mountains when he is able and he also enjoys traveling with his two sons, Liam and Luke. 

MICHAEL ELLIOTT

The Next Generation

Bradford Hinnrichs

Bradford Hinnrichs is a dedicated engineer with a passion for innovation and community development. Growing up in the Santa Ynez Valley, he was inspired by his father, a local engineer who instilled in him the values of hard work and integrity. With a past career in engineering and project management, Bradford has made significant contributions to local projects, combining technical expertise with a commitment to sustainable practices. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, running his family vineyard and giving back to the community that shaped him. Bradford is proud to be a part of the Santa Ynez Valley and is focused on building a brighter future for its residents.